How To Set Kawasaki Bayou 300 Valves

The user manuals from Kawasaki avoids specifying how to set Kawasaki Bayou 300 valves, as well as any details on mechanical matters. More than that, they recommend visiting a specialist and not to try doing it by yourself. However, useful diagrams and procedures are described in service manuals that cover KLF300 Bayou models, and include 2×4 and 4×4 series.

If you have a Kawasaki Bayou 300, you should follow the service recommendations. Thus, after the first ten hours of use, you have to go for the first service. After, during the normal use of your vehicle, you should take it to a regular service.

You will need:

Set of wrenches

Setting the Valves.

Fuel Tank Removal. The first step to set Kawasaki Bayou 300 valves is to get access to them. To do that, you must remove the fuel tank. First, take away the front fender. Once the fender is out, move the fuel tap to the off position. Retire the hose from the fuel tap. On the back end of the tank you will see a lock washer and a flat washer. Remove both. Take away the tank tilting it out of the back of the frame. Warning: Before beginning this procedure, turn the ignition switch off. Gasoline is very flammable and could cause an explosion. Don’t smoke and be sure that the area is well ventilated and no fire source is around.

Valves Clearance Checking. Now you have proper access to set Kawasaki Bayou 300 valves. To check the clearance, make sure that the engine is totally cold. Now, take out the bolts and then retire the caps that adjust the valve. Take off the left engine cover guard. Remove the timing inspection plug and the central plug in the cover. Using a wrench on the bolt of the alternator rotor, turn the crankshaft. Check the intake valve. Continue turning the crankshaft while the valve is opening and closing. Wait until the “T” mark is in line with the slot and then measure the clearance of every valve. The measure must be done using a thickness gauge between the extreme of the stem and rocker arm screw. Verify these clearance values: intake, 0.10 to 0.15 mm; exhaust, 0.15 to 0.20 mm.

Clearance Adjustment. If the clearance is wrong, adjust it. First, loosen the locknut and then turn the screw until you verify a correct clearance. Then, taking special care to avoid any motion of the adjustment screw, tighten the locknut again. Review the valve clearance. If it’s not right, repeat the adjustment procedure. Once the clearance is correct, repeat the complete procedure on the second valve. When you finish, you will be able to say that you know how to set Kawasaki Bayou 300 valves.